Knicks welcome Heat to Garden

Basketball Betting Lines

02/26/2007 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New York Knicks aim to make up ground in the playoff race this evening when they host the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks come into tonight's game 10th overall in the East, two games out of a playoff spot. The Heat, meanwhile, are seventh overall in the conference.

Miami's playoff ideas took a hit last week when All-Star guard Dwyane Wade dislocated his left shoulder against Houston. The Heat went on to loss that game and then fell to the Mavericks on Thursday before bouncing back with an 86-81 win over Cleveland on Sunday.

Shaquille O'Neal picked up the slack in Wade's absence, scoring 19 points and pulling down 11 rebounds to lead Miami past Cleveland. Jason Kapono also posted a double-double with 17 points and 11 boards while Alonzo Mourning poured in 15 points off the bench.

The Heat are now playing the waiting game with Wade, who is still weighing his medical options with season-ending surgery a possibility.

The Heat will travel to Washington, which they trail by 4 1/2 games for the lead in the Southeast Division, on Wednesday and are 11-18 as the visitor this season.

The Knicks also had a chance to make up playoff ground on Sunday, but fell to the New Jersey Nets, 101-92.

Stephon Marbury had 22 points for the Knicks, who have alternated wins and loses over their past eight games. Eddy Curry donated 18 points and Channing Frye tallied 15 points off the bench for New York.

Forward David Lee sat out for the second time in three games on Sunday with a high right ankle sprain. He is questionable for tonight's game as is guard Steve Francis, who is out with the flu.

New York is 15-13 at home on the season, but will play in Boston on Wednesday.

This evening's game will mark the fourth and final matchup between the two clubs this season. New York owns a 2-1 edge over the Heat so far this year, including a 116-96 home win on January 26 to end a five-game series home losing streak.

The Heat, though, swept a three-game series last year and a four-game set in 2004-05 and have won nine of the last 12 overall.

Wwwoasiscasino Basketball Betting News

<< 76ers open homestand against Kings
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Philadelphia 76ers open a six-game homestand this evening when they welcome the Sacramento Kings to the Wachovia Center. Philadelphia lost its second straight game on Saturday when it was pounded by the Milwaukee Bucks

<< Schmidt looks to help Dodgers win a championship
VERO BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Jason Schmidt passed up opportunities for a longer, more lucrative deal in the offseason to sign a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.He made such a decision based on his children.``My kids are my interest. I've

<< Garciaparra healthy, ready to go for Dodgers
VERO BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Nomar Garciaparra couldn't help but smile when asked about the apparent power shortage in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup.The question was reasonable, since the Dodgers ranked next-to-last in the NL with 153 homers last season

<< Damon rejoins Yankees
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -Yankees center fielder Johnny Damon rejoined the team Monday after a two-day excused absence to tend to a personal matter.Damon spent the weekend at home with his family in the Orlando area. He didn't discuss specifics, but said th

<< Niedermayer lifts Ducks over Avalanche
Anaheim, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Scott Niedermayer's goal with 3:23 left in the third period proved to be the game-winner, as the Ducks earned a 5-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Niedermayer also had two assists, and Andy McDonald c

Nuggets try to get on same page against Grizzlies >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Denver Nuggets try to put the brakes on a four- game losing streak this evening when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum. Denver became Dallas' 19th straight victim at home on Saturday when they fell to

Spurs aim to extend winning streak against Raptors >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The San Antonio Spurs try to keep pace in the Southwest standings tonight when they host the Toronto Raptors at AT&T Center. San Antonio won its fifth straight game on Saturday, a 102-71 victory over Seattle, but despite t

New-look Thrashers head to Boston >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Atlanta Thrashers hope the recent additions to their lineup will translate to improved play and they'll test that theory tonight, when they visit the Boston Bruins at TD Banknorth Garden. The Thrashers are just 2-7-2 i

Habs, Leafs clash in Montreal >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - One of the best rivalries in sports resumes this evening, as the Montreal Canadiens open the doors of the Bell Centre for a battle with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This series between two of the Original Six franchises is alw

Bulls welcome slumping Magic >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Orlando Magic are slipping out of the playoff picture, and will aim to snap a back-breaking four-game losing streak this evening when they open a tough four-game road swing against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.

Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value

If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture.  Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).

For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot.  The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.

TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the  drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.

"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,'  it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."

"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.

Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash.  Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win. 

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs.